The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader, Dr. Oburu Oginga, has announced that the party is prepared to push for the Deputy President position in upcoming pre-election talks with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Negotiation Strategy
Speaking during a consultative meeting at the Siaya County Assembly chambers, Dr. Oburu dismissed claims by government leaders that the Deputy President’s seat is untouchable. He emphasized that ODM’s focus remains on securing its interests within the broad-based government arrangement initiated by the late Raila Odinga.
“We’re going to negotiate hard, we won’t leave anything out. Those who thought that we’re not going to demand for Deputy Presidency, that is one of them. It’s not the only issue but it is one of them,” he stated.
Dr. Oburu added that ODM’s priority is to safeguard the party’s future role in governance, regardless of discomfort the demand may cause among rivals.
Call for Unity
The ODM leader urged members of the Luo community to remain united and rally behind the party, noting that unity would strengthen their bargaining power in Kenya’s evolving political landscape.
Siaya County Assembly Speaker George Okode affirmed the assembly’s support for Dr. Oburu’s leadership, saying Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) are firmly behind the ODM boss.
Upcoming Rally
The meeting, described as a strategy session, brought together MCAs and ODM leadership ahead of upcoming political engagements. Dr. Oburu also called on residents to attend the ODM rally dubbed “Linda Ground”, scheduled for Saturday.
The rally will serve both as a homecoming ceremony for Dr. Oburu following his election as party leader and as a platform to chart ODM’s next political move amid ongoing realignments within the government.
Conclusion
ODM’s declaration signals a bold negotiation stance as the party prepares for pre-election talks with UDA. By demanding the Deputy President position, ODM aims to secure a stronger foothold in the broad-based government while reinforcing its influence in Kenya’s political future.
